The global shoe company has reinvigorated the Pump technology it first introduced to the world in high-top basketball sneakers more than a quarter-century ago.

The Pump’s latest reincarnation in a running shoe — the ZPump Fusion — was unveiled hours ago in New York City.

Here are the details from Reebok:

New York — Reebok, the global pioneer in fitness innovation, launched the revolutionary new ZPump Fusion in New York City today; a running shoe that uniquely conforms and adapts to any foot.

The ZPump Fusion was unveiled at a premium and dynamic launch event where guests explored, through interactive HD projection, how Reebok has revolutionized its iconic innovation – The Pump technology – to create the new ZPump Fusion.

“New York City has a unique fusion of different types of people from all over the world – many of which have a serious passion for running and fitness. The ZPump Fusion is a huge step forward in the Reebok running category so we decided to come here for what is one of the brands biggest and most anticipated launches in our recent history,” said Matt O’Toole, President of Reebok.

Boasting a new and proprietary air-filled cage that surrounds and molds to any foot providing a custom, locked-in fit, the ZPump Fusion represents a revolutionary new approach to The Pump technology and how runners experience fit.

“Many running shoes are developed around a rigid, factory-developed last shape that can never be a true representation of your unique foot. The ZPumpFusion is completely structure-less when not inflated and then molds to the individual shape of your foot once you put it on and inflate. It conforms to the shape of your foot to give you a locked-in, custom fit when you run. To get that security, you may need three pumps or you may need eight pumps – it is fully customizable for each person,” said Paul Litchfield, original inventor of The Pump and Head of Reebok Advanced Concepts.

“When Reebok talks about the ZPump Fusion, you can hear and feel the passion in their voice. Having now seen it and tried it on for myself, I can understand why. As an MMA athlete, running is a crucial component to training and the ZPump Fusion gives me the fit and control I’ve been looking for in a running shoe,” said Jones.

Unlike a traditional running shoe which is often made up of over 40 individual parts; the Reebok ZPump Fusion is made up of just three key parts, meaning no rigid components that restrict movement in the foot. Each of the three parts in the ZPump Fusion works together to deliver improved fit and control.

• The Pump technology – The revolutionary air-filled cage is lightweight and fully customizable that pumps up and wraps around the individual shapes and contours of the foot to deliver a locked-in custom fit to achieve maximum performance.

• The Fusion Sleeve – The Fusion Sleeve is a four way stretch sleeve that holds together the key components of the ZPumpFusion. A lightweight and seamless compression sleeve, it fuses The Pump technology to any runners’ foot to provide improved control and comfort as they run.

• ZRATED outsole – The high-speed, underfoot performance that is essential to any high tempo running shoe is provided by the ZRATED outsole. Inspired by high performance ZRATED tires, the edges and underfoot grooves provide increased handling and control so runners can stop, start and turn on a dime.

When The Pump actuator on the heel of the ZPump Fusion is pushed, air is channeled through the valve and into the air-filled cage enabling it to fill and clasp around the upper and heel in a way that is unique to each foot. To release the air, runners can simply deflate using the release valve.

“The evolution we have made to The Pump technology in the ZPump Fusion is a huge step forward for Reebok and is keeping with our constant drive for new innovations. Runners have been waiting for a shoe that can be customized to their individual foot shape. The Reebok ZPump Fusion is the shoe that does it. We are excited to get it on the feet of runners because we know they will feel the difference immediately” said Bill McInnis, Head of Running – Reebok.

Revolutionizing The Pump technology with the unique Reebok ZPump Fusion is part of the global fitness brand’s mission to change how people perceive and experience fitness. Reebok has issued a bold challenge for the world to “Be More Human” as part of its new brand campaign; a unique point of view that embodies the brand’s new symbol, the Reebok Delta.

“Reebok believes that by pushing ourselves to the brink and testing our limitations, we become better partners, leaders, parents and better friends. By adopting a Reebok approach to your fitness lifestyle, you can aim to be the best you can be socially, mentally and physically. To be more in tune with that natural, human part of yourself that fitness can explore”, said O’Toole.

“The ZPump Fusion doesn’t just provide a locked-in custom fit for your feet, it also locks you into focus so you can push your body, test those limits and Be More Human”.

The Reebok ZPump Fusion will be available March 10 at your local retailer and through www.reebok.com.

About Reebok

Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Canton, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of fitness and lifestyle footwear, apparel and equipment. An American-inspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied heritage in running, training and fitness. Reebok is committed to helping consumers fulfil their potential and be “fit for life.” Reebok develops products, technologies and programming which enable consumers to live a healthy lifestyle and have fun doing it. Reebok connects with the fitness consumer wherever they are and however they choose to stay fit – whether it’s training, running, walking, dance, yoga or aerobics. Reebok Classics leverages the brand’s fitness heritage and represents the roots of the brand in the sports lifestyle market. A subsidiary of the adidas Group, Reebok operates under the multiple divisions of the Reebok brand, Reebok-CCM Hockey and the Sports Licensed Division. Reebok is the exclusive outfitter of CrossFit and the Reebok CrossFit Games, the official title sponsor of the Reebok Spartan Race, and exclusive apparel provider for Les Mills.

Launched 25 years ago, The Pump technology is a unique and ground-breaking innovation in footwear that continues to shift the landscape of the running category to this day. First introduced in 1989, Pump has transcended generations to not only be recognized as an iconic piece of footwear but is now also at the heart of the running category. The range was introduced in 1989 as a premier basketball shoe before transcending into tennis, running and aerobics in various forms throughout the 1990s. These transitions culminated in the InstaPump Fury, the first iteration of a full-length exoskeleton pump bladder that supported the foot and laid the platform for the ZPump Fusion evolution in 2015.

REEBOK ZPUMP FUSION Q&A

Q: What is the Reebok ZPump Fusion?

A: Reebok has revolutionized its iconic innovation – The Pump technology – to create the unique ZPump Fusion which boasts a new and exclusive air-filled cage across the heel and upper of the shoe which moulds to any foot, providing a custom, locked-in fit. Combined with the Fusion Sleeve and ZRated outsole, the Reebok ZPump Fusion is the ultimate running shoe.

Q: How does ZPump technology work?

A: The revolutionary air-filled cage is at the core of Reebok’s ground breaking new running shoe. It is a lightweight, fully customizable, inflatable bladder that wraps around the contours of the foot to deliver a custom fit and lock the foot in place for improved performance.

The air-filled cage is combined with the seamless, lightweight ZPump Fusion Sleeve, that brings together the key components of the shoe, and the ZRATED outsole to ensure better handling and control.

Q: What is so special about ZPump Fusion compared to previous models?

A: ZPump Fusion is one of the first running shoes to provide a fully customizable fit. No two feet are alike, not even your own left and right foot. Most shoes are built around a factory-developed, wooden or plastic last which is supposed to reflect a standard foot. But a standard size foot does not exist. ZPump Fusion is designed to adapt to you.

Unlike a traditional running shoe which is often made up of over 40 individual parts; the Reebok ZPump Fusion is made up of just three, meaning no unnecessary components or rigid parts that restrict movement in the foot. Each of the three parts in the ZPump Fusion work together to deliver improved fit and control:

• AIR-FILLED CAGE – The revolutionary air-filled cage is at the core of Reebok’s ground-breaking running shoe. It is a lightweight, fully customizable, inflatable bladder that wraps around the contours of the foot to deliver a custom fit and lock the foot in place to achieve maximum performance

• THE FUSION SLEEVE – The Fusion Sleeve is the glue that brings together the key components of the ZPump Fusion. A lightweight and seamless compression sleeve, it fuses The Pump technology to any runners foot providing improved control and comfort as they run

• ZRATED OUTSOLE – The high-spec, underfoot performance that is essential to any running shoe is provided by the ZRATED outsole. Inspired by high performance Z-Rated tires, the edges and underfoot grooves provide increased handling and control so runners can charge forward with confidence

Q: How was The Pump technology originally created?

A: The Pump technology was born out of an entrepreneurial vision in 1989. Reebok took a daring approach to design, fuelled by the desire to give athletes something unique. Reebok’s engineers took three completely unrelated items; a rubber bulb from a blood pressure monitor, an air release valve from a bike tyre and an IV bag. From it, they created one of the most forward-thinking innovations and game-changing platforms the footwear industry has ever seen.

Q: Where can you buy the Reebok ZPump Fusion?

A: The Reebok ZPump Fusion will be available for purchase March 10, 2015 from www.reebok.com. ZPump Fusion will also be sold in markets globally at selected retailers.

REEBOK ZPUMP FUSION

BORN 2015

FACT SHEET

25 years after the creation of The Pump technology, The ZPump Fusion arrives as the first running shoe in history to offer a fully customisable fit, delivering a locked in feeling through a unique air-filled cage. Combined with the Fusion Sleeve and ZRated outsole, the Reebok ZPump Fusion is the ultimate running shoe.

HOW IT WORKS

No two feet are alike. Not even your own. Most shoes are made to fit a standard size foot – but a standard size foot does not exist.

Pump technology is the creation of a cushion of air, inflated by individual pumps, that surrounds the foot, supporting its unique shape and size. The air inflates the bladder within the shoe to fill all the empty space, helping to customise the fit of the shoe.

The first time you see it you will have to touch it. Once you touch it you will have to put it on. And once you put it on, you will love it.

This is the Reebok Pump technology.

Launched 25 years ago, The Pump technology is a unique and ground-breaking innovation in footwear that continues to shift the landscape of the running category (and others!) to this day. From its introduction in 1989, The Pump technology firmly established Reebok as a leader in cutting-edge footwear technology.

The Pump technology changed athletic footwear forever and in 2015 Reebok continues to evolve The Pump technology to answer the needs of athletes around the world.

The Pump technology was born out of an entrepreneurial vision. Reebok took a daring approach to design, fuelled by the desire to give athletes something unique.

Reebok’s engineers took three completely unrelated items; a rubber bulb from a blood pressure monitor, an air release valve from a bike tyre and an IV bag. From it, they created one of the most forward-thinking innovations and game-changing platforms the footwear industry has ever seen.

By combining these unconventional items with the relentless desire to innovate, Reebok created something previously unattainable – a personal, customized fit.

Celebrity fitness trainer Autumn Calabrese — famous for her rock hard abs and training celebrities Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Brooke Burke and Rachel Zoe — is hosting a live workout with 600 Calgary fitness fans to celebrate the Canadian launch of her newest home workout program 21 Day Fix EXTREME. The launch will also celebrate local Beachbody success stories including Calgary native Lara Curry who has lost 65 lbs and 40 inches since taking on her first Beachbody home workout program!

When: Saturday, February 28

Where: Telus Centre, Calgary, Alberta

Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Live workout - 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

About Autumn Calabrese:

The brains and beauty behind 21 Day Fix, one of the best selling home workouts ever, Autumn is a celebrity fitness trainer and national-level bikini competitor. Autumn has made a name for herself by helping people lose weight and get fit through simple portion control and consistent exercise. Autumn holds personal training certificates from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA). Her supportive, motivating style has made her a highly sought-after expert among celebrities and the fitness industry.

Building on a foundation of good food choices and exercise habits, Autumn empowers her clients to reach their goals in a healthy, sustainable way. In addition to her celebrity clientele, Autumn is the fitness specialist for ModernMom.com. Her workouts have been featured in C magazine, LA Parent, The Palisadian-Post, and Daily Candy, and on TV shows like Home & Family.

As the Reebok CrossFit Games season gets underway today, Reebok has just announced it will be hosting Open events in Milton, Ont., Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Calgary.

Here are the details:

Reebok Canada announces it will sponsor five events across the country in celebration of the Reebok CrossFit OPEN, the first round of qualifications for the 2015 Reebok CrossFit Games held in Carson, California. The first event is taking place today at Reebok CrossFit FirePower, located at 705 Nipissing Rd, Milton, ON, L9T 4Z5.

The OPEN is a series of five CrossFit workouts released online on www.games.crossfit.com, which Reebok will live-stream from an affiliate CrossFit box (gym) every Thursday, starting today, and for the next four weeks. The following Saturdays, Reebok invites registered participants, aged 13 to 60+, to perform their weekly OPEN workout alongside international celebrity CrossFit athletes, and earn prizes for declaring their personal goals for this year’s competition on www.reeboktraining.ca.

(Note: This is the second in a series of posts by Keeping Fit blog contributor Carrie Campbell.)

Carrie Campbell (Photo by Thierry Quenette)

When you assess your fitness/nutrition goals on their success what do you consider? Your program? Meal plan? Likely those are the first two elements that come to mind. What if I were to tell you that the root of your success in fitness lies in your mind.

What is occurring in your subconscious mind that is derailing your intentions?

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About Carrie

Carrie Campbell is anything but an “in the box” kind of woman. A counsellor since the age of 19, personal trainer at the age of 23 and professional model, she lends her expertise candidly and honestly with the hopes of inspiring others to find their best selves. Co-founder of The Art of Inspired Living and “Change the Story Method,” her purpose as she so authentically puts it is to “serve others.” Combining the elements of mindset, training and nutrition she will be coming with featured weekly articles and videos for the Keeping Fit blog.

In honour of Heart Month, GoodLife Fitness has teamed up with the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) to host a 28 Day Healthy Heart Challenge on Facebook throughout the month of February. Participants will be provided daily access to cardiac stats, fitness advice, nutrition tips, inspiring stories of how people changed their lives, and more – all in an effort to improve the heart health of Canadians.

What:

For the 28 Day Healthy Heart Challenge, cardiovascular rehabilitation experts from PMCC have combined their knowledge and tips from fitness experts at GoodLife to create a unique, easy-to-follow program that will help improve the heart health of Canadians. Each day, participants will gain access to:

• Educational statistics and research facts to learn more about heart health in Canada

• Nutrition, lifestyle and exercise to support positive change and manage heart risks

The 28 Day Healthy Heart Challenge is part of a larger collaboration between GoodLife Fitness and Peter Munk Cardiac Care Centre that was launched in 2012. GoodLife Fitness has committed $5 million to the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre with the goal of transforming the lives of Canadians affected by heart disease and helping prevent this reality for many.

The collaboration is made up of three main components:

1. GoodLife Fitness Centre of Excellence in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine, which strives to be internationally recognized for excellence in heart health and exercise and drives care and research in post-acute cardiovascular health and secondary prevention.

2. The search and appointment of Dr. Paul Oh to GoodLife Fitness Chair in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention.

3. An innovative club-based program called CardioStrong which was developed by Peter Munk Cardiac Centre rehabilitation experts along with GoodLife fitness experts. Cardiostrong helps patients transition into the community and achieve life-long success in their cardiac rehabilitation and health.

ABOUT GOODLIFE FITNESS

Proudly Canadian since 1979, GoodLife Fitness is the largest fitness company in Canada. GoodLife is the largest privately owned fitness club chain by a sole owner and the fourth largest overall in the world. With over 330 clubs from coast-to-coast, including 70 Énergie Cardio and EconoFitness Clubs in Quebec, approximately 13,000 employees and more than 1 million Members, GoodLife is helping to transform the health and wellness of 1 in 34 Canadians every day.

ABOUT THE PETER MUNK CARDIAC CENTRE

The Peter Munk Cardiac Centre is the premier cardiac centre in Canada. Since it opened in 1997, the Centre has saved and improved the lives of cardiac and vascular patients from around the world. Each year, approximately 55,000 patients receive innovative and compassionate care from multidisciplinary teams in the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, and the Centre trains more cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and vascular surgeons than any other hospital in Canada. The Centre is based at the Toronto General Hospital and the Toronto Western Hospital – members of University Health Network. www.petermunkcardiaccentre.ca.